"I don't have time to volunteer when I'm at University"

We hear you - you have deadlines to meet, lectures to attend, assignments to complete and on top of all that you are expected to be planning for that all important graduate job!

You are surrounded by people reminding you to get started on your CV, saying you need to get 'experience' and build up 'people skills' ready for the world of work. It can feel overwhelming trying to find the time to fit volunteering in too but we are here to tell you its possible!

At Royal Surrey County Hospital Charity we are working to deliver exceptional care in a welcoming and safe environment for patients at Royal Surrey County Hospital. From providing state of the art equipment and redeveloping wards, to investing in staff development and funding innovative research, our patients are at the heart of everything we do. Working collaboratively with medical and support staff, we fund projects that make the biggest impact on the 260,000 people we treat each year – from babies, to children and young adults, to older people.

We understand that your time is precious, so we have plenty of ways that you can get involved that are perfect to fit around University life.

Volunteer for us!

We understand that with all the studying, exams and university activities you may have less time to give or are only free to help at certain times in the year – and we think that's great!

When you choose to volunteer you are in charge of how much time you are able to give and how regularly. By being realistic about the time you can give, you can fit it around University life easily and we can help provide the right support to you!

We have events that run all year round, including in-hospital opportunities and bucket collections which are great for students at the University of Surrey as the Royal Surrey County Hospital is only over the road! Have a look at the opportunities we have here!

There are so many great reasons to volunteer:

You get to help out a cause you are really passionate about and see the results of that hard work! (which feels pretty great)
Meeting different people from all walks of life as you volunteer, means you will get to make contact with like-minded people who could become an amazing friend for life or in some cases help point you in the right direction when it is time to start looking for your first job
It can provide that much needed 'down time' from hours spent revising in the library or writing out flash cards in neon colours over and over again
It will really boost your job applications post-uni - you will be able to show you are hardworking, get stuck in and the charity can sometimes give you a reference to help you on your way

Get fundraising!

If you're currently part of a Sports Team, Society or Subject Committee, you are in the perfect position to organise an event to raise money!
e.g.

If you are in a dance society, holding a charity dance class and raising money from ticket sales in a great way to get started
If you are involved in a performance society, holding a bucket collection at the end of your production can be really successful
If you are in a subject society, holding a competitive treasure hunt with subject based puzzles and clues is a great way to get people involved and raise money for a good cause

We can support you in planning your event whether that's through providing collection buckets, t-shirts and balloons for your event or giving advice on how to get started and things you need to consider in preparation for the day. Just get in touch!

Textbook toss!

When you get to the end of the year don't be weighed down by heavy books you no longer need, why not sell them to up and coming students and donate the money to the RSCH Charity?
Also if you have any fiction/reading books you think our patients or visitors might enjoy let us know and we can make use of them here at the hospital! Just get in touch!

Follow us!

Becoming a social media supporter is a great way to help us when you are short on time but want to get involved. By following us on social media and sharing what we post you are helping to spread awareness of what we do in the community. Getting your friends to join in too or your society also really helps the charity, so get spreading the word! Follow us at @rschcharity on Twitter or on Facebook and Instagram at /royalsurreycharity.

Nominate us!

If you are in a society that chooses a Charity of the Year nominating us is a great way to help raise awareness, e.g. if you are a member of your University's RAG then putting us forward as a potential partner for the year helps support Royal Surrey County Hospital Charity to continue to ensure patients in Surrey receive excellent care. Just get in touch!

Check out our current volunteering opportunities here or head over to rschcharity.org.uk to find out more about Royal Surrey County Hospital Charity and how you can get involved!